Do you crave coffee and chocolate? Science can explain why

A new study suggests that a cup of joe affects the sense of taste

Science is beginning to have a better understanding of how our taste buds work, including why sweet treats tastes so good with a cup of coffee.

A cup of coffee and a sweet chocolate dessert sounds about perfect right now, right?

Have you ever wondered why you crave this delicious combo? Researchers at Denmark's Arahus University say it is because coffee changes our senses of taste, increasing our sensitivity to sweet and decreasing our sensitivity to bitter.

The researchers put 156 participants through series of tests, examining their senses of smell and taste before and after drinking coffee and found that the participants senses of taste were affected.

"When people were tested after drinking coffee, they became more sensitive to sweetness, and less sensitive to bitterness," said Alexander Wieck Fjældstad, an associate professor at Arahus University.

The researchers ruled out that caffeine was the cause by conducting the same tests with decaffeinated coffee.

"It's probably some of the bitter substances in the coffee that create this effect," Fjældstad said, adding that this may explain why dark chocolate might not taste as bitter when enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

He hopes that their research can contribute to what we know about our senses of smell and taste and how they influence what we eat and drink.

"More research in this area could have significance for how we regulate the way in which we use sugar and sweeteners as food additives, improved knowledge can potentially be utilized to reduce sugar and calories in our food, which would be beneficial for a number of groups, including those who are overweight and diabetes patients," he said.

Our senses of smell and taste can also provide warnings about possible infections. The loss of one's sense of smell and taste is known to be a symptom of certain illnesses, including COVID-19.

The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained
on this website, are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.

ahealthierphilly is sponsored by Independence Blue Cross, the leading health insurance organization
in Southeastern Pennsylvania, serving nearly 2.5 million people in the region, providing health news
and related information that leads to a more informed, healthier life.

ahealthierphilly and its health-related information resources are not a substitute for the medical
advice, diagnosis, and treatment that patients receive from their physicians or health care providers
and are not meant to be the practice of medicine, the practice of nursing, or to carry out any professional
health care advice or service in the state where you live. Nothing in this website is meant to be used for
medical or nursing diagnosis or professional treatment.

Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed health care provider. Always consult your
health care provider before beginning any new treatment, or if you have any questions regarding your
health condition. You should not disregard medical advice, or delay seeking medical advice, because of
something you read on this site. In the event of a medical emergency, call a doctor or 911 immediately.

This website does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, procedures, opinions, or
other information that may be mentioned on this website. Descriptions of, references to, or links to
other products, publications, or services does not imply endorsement of any kind. Reliance on any
information provided by this website is solely at your own risk.

Although we try to keep the information on the site as accurate as possible, ahealthierphilly
disclaims any warranty concerning its accuracy, timeliness and completeness of content, and any other
warranty, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular
purpose. ahealthierphilly also reserves the right to temporarily or permanently discontinue this website,
any page or any functionality at any time and without any notice.